The research of the Daunert group lies in the area of Bionanotechnology, at the interface between Bioanalytical Chemistry, Molecular Biology, and Bioengineering. The group employs recombinant DNA technology to design new molecular diagnostic tools and biosensors based on genetically engineered proteins and cells that find biomedical, environmental, and pharmaceutical applications. Additionally the research of the group focuses in the design of sensing arrays for the detection of molecules in small volumes and microfluidic platforms, and in the development of smart biomaterials for responsive drug delivery systems. The students in our group are trained in emerging technologies and become proficient in biochemistry, molecular biology, and bioanalytical chemistry. A few examples of projects are outlined below.

In order to detect target molecules in small volumes and microfabricated structures, it is necessary to prepare bioreagents that provide enough sensitivity for their detection. In our laboratory, we engineer proteins and cells to design a diverse array of biosensing systems. Specifically, the photoprotein aequorin is genetically engineered by preparing mutant, fusion proteins, and by designing molecular switches with the goal of shifting the emission maxima and alter the bioluminescent decay kinetics of the proteins. Moreover, we genetically encode aequorin with non-natural amino acids to create newly ‘colored' aequorin variants for application in simultaneous multianalyte detection. Additionally, we prepare bioluminescent molecular switches for glucose by dissecting the gene of the aequorin molecule into two halves and inserting in between the gene of the glucose binding protein to produce a protein molecular switch capable of glucose detection. In the presence of glucose, the glucose binding protein undergoes a conformational change bringing the two ‘halves' of the aequorin molecule and allowing for the emission of bioluminescence in a manner proportional to the concentration of glucose present. In another strategy, a protein immobilized within a hydrogel acts as a recognition element for drugs. The integrated molecular recognition within the hydrogel allows for sensing and actuating, thus providing with novel responsive drug delivery systems. Finally, we take advantage of the bioluminescence from bacterial luciferase in order to study quorum sensing and the mechanism of action of quorum sensing molecules (QSMs) in relation to gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. To that end, we develop genetically engineered bioluminescent whole-cell-based sensing systems for the detection of QSMs in physiological samples, both in subjects with various GI disorders and healthy volunteers. Finally, non-invasive doagnostics tools for these diseases are developed by preparing microfluidics systems and colorimetric paper strips incorporating these QSM biosensors.